FIFTY new jobs could be coming to Bury if a leading sports chain pushes ahead with plans to convert a former gym roller rink and bathroom retailers.

Blueprints have been approved to allow bosses at Go Outdoors to open a new store in the former DW Fitness gym off Angouleme Way.

And the store would also incorporate the former roller rink, above the gym, and the old Bathstore premises to the rear.

The former DW gym was closed down, along with sister sites in Bolton and Blackburn, in the summer of 2020 and the main entrance has been fenced off for some time. Bathstore, in both Bolton and Bury, had closed the previous year.

Site owner Picton Property has confirmed it has signed a pre-letting agreement with the JD Gyms group, of which Go Outdoors is a part, subject to enabling works taking place.

The 10-year deal would see the property firm receive £150,000 per year in rent.

An application by agents acting on behalf of JD to remove a planning condition, so retail sales would be allowed across the entire building's footprint, has been approved by Bury Council.

Planning agent Matthew Sobic, of Savills (UK), in a supporting statement submitted to the authority, said: "The proposal will make a positive contribution to economic growth and prosperity and accords with the Government’s agenda to promote development that results in economic growth.

"The proposal will create 50 jobs, including managerial, administration, cleaning and security staff."

In a statement submitted to the council, the applicants say the development would generate an estimated £1.2m per year for the borough's economy.

Planning officer Helen Leach said in a report: "The proposed development would maintain a retail unit at ground and first floor levels and would bring the vacant upper floor into use.

"The proposed occupier would be Go Outdoors, which would broaden the range of retail available within the town centre."

Council planners say the site would be access via Spring Street and the 130-space car park, associated with the building, would be unaffected.

No objections have been raised by the authority's highways section.